Xu was born in Chongqing, on 1 February 1942.[3] In 1960, he entered Tsinghua University, majoring in gas turbine.[3] During his university years, he was president of Tsinghua University Student Union and Beijing Student Federation.
Xu joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1960.[3] Beginning in 1968, he served in several posts in Sichuan Dongfang Turbine Works (四川东方汽轮机厂), including technician, assistant engineer, and engineer.[3] In August 1985, he became deputy head of Sichuan Provincial Light Industry Department, rising to head in December 1987.[3]
In July 1991, Xu was transferred to Beijing and appointed vice minister of light industry [zh], and held that office until May 1993, when he became vice president of China National Council of Light Industry.[3] In July 1995, he was chosen as deputy director of the State Council Research Office, a post he kept until March 1998, when he was made deputy secretary-general of the State Council.[3]
^Yan Qiong (闫琼); Su Yan (苏岩) (28 October 2002). 《中国实录》：专访云南省省长徐荣凯. sina (in Chinese). Retrieved 18 June 2022.
^中共第十六届中央委员、中纪委名单 [List of members of the 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection]. chinaaffairs.org (in Chinese). 14 November 2002. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
^ abcdefghi云南省省长徐荣凯同志简历. sina (in Chinese). 1 September 2006. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
